ARRIVING SOON: One of the two Offshore Patrol Vessels expected to arrive in Trinidad shortly....

TWO Offshore Patrol Vessels being built by BAE Systems for the Government will this week take a step closer to completion.

Employees at the Portsmouth Naval base, in the United Kingdom joined in the celebrations yesterday when the first vessel was formally named Port-of-Spain, while the second ship was set to be launched and named Scarborough, on the Clyde today. The two 90-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard are part of a £150 million contract to build, integrate, test and commission (up to sea trials) three ships for the Government.

Under the programme the defence company will also provide training and a five-year in-service support package, while the UK Ministry of Defence is providing advice to the Government and operational sea training to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard crews.

Shellanne Archer, of Scarborough, Tobago, who will launch the second vessel and name her Scarborough during the celebrations on the Clyde, said: “These ships provide the capability to enable our Coast Guard to protect the territorial waters of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region.

Together with my husband, the Captain Designate, I look forward to a long association with Scarborough as she fulfils her vital role in delivering future maritime security to our region.” Scott Jamieson, Trinidad and Tobago Programme Director at BAE Systems, said: “The contract with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago demonstrates our position as one of the world’s leading exporters of naval ships.

Developing international markets not only ensures that we can deliver future naval capability to our overseas customers, but it also secures the long-term sustainability of the maritime industry in the UK.” Lord Davies, Government Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business, said: “I am delighted that the UK is able to provide Trinidad and Tobago with these highly capable ships.

The first of the ships is being constructed at BAE Systems’ Portsmouth facility, while the second and third vessels are being built at its yard at Scotstoun on the Clyde.